A Nigerian businessman and energy sector executive, Matthew Tonlagha, has entered into a $720,000 contract with a United States–based lobbying firm to provide strategic communications and government affairs services aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the US.
Tonlagha, who is the vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, engaged Valcour Global Public Strategy through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited. Valcour Global is a Washington-based firm that specialises in public policy, political strategy and media engagement.
Documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act with the Department of Justice show that the contract was signed on December 16, 2025. The agreement was executed by Tonlagha and Matt Mowers, the president of Valcour Global Public Strategy.
Mowers previously served as a senior White House adviser at the US Department of State during the first term of President Donald Trump. He is also a member of the Republican Party and has remained active in US political circles.
Under the terms of the agreement, Valcour Global is expected to provide consulting services focused on strategic communications and government affairs. These services include engagement with US media outlets and government officials, including members of Congress and officials within the executive branch.
The stated purpose of the engagement is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Nigeria. The contract period runs from December 15, 2025, to June 14, 2026.
Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited agreed to pay the lobbying firm $120,000 per month. The payments are to be made quarterly in advance, either by cheque or wire transfer, according to the filing.
Before the formal registration of the contract, Maton Engineering made several payments connected to lobbying-related services. On December 31, 2025, the company paid $105,000 to Bridgeway Advocacy as a monthly retainer for subcontractor services.
Another payment of $60,000 was made on January 5, 2026, to Mount Olives LLC. The payment was also described as a monthly retainer for subcontractor services, based on the disclosure documents.
The lobbying contract involving Tonlagha came amid broader efforts by Nigerian interests to engage US policymakers and officials. Twenty-four hours after Tonlagha’s contract was signed, the Nigerian federal government entered into a separate lobbying agreement worth $9 million.
That government contract involved DCI Group, a US-based lobbying firm, which was hired to assist in communicating Nigeria’s actions on protecting Christians to the US government. The engagement followed growing international discussions and allegations related to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The services of DCI Group were retained through Aster Legal, a law firm based in Kaduna State. The firm acted on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser, according to filings related to the contract.
The series of lobbying agreements reflects efforts by both private individuals and the Nigerian government to improve engagement with US policymakers. This comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s internal security challenges and its human rights record.
Matthew Tonlagha is from Benikrukru in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State. He is a prominent figure in the Niger Delta region and holds the position of vice-chairman at Tantita Security Services.
Tantita Security Services was awarded a federal government contract for the surveillance and protection of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. The company plays a key role in efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
The chairperson of Tantita Security Services is Government Ekpemupolo, a former militant leader widely known as Tompolo. Ekpemupolo is a major figure in Niger Delta security and political affairs.
Tonlagha also serves as the chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited. According to information published on the company’s website, Maton Engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering and project support firm that provides services to the oil and gas industry.
The company describes itself as offering end-to-end solutions aimed at supporting energy operations in Nigeria. Tonlagha is also considered a political ally of President Bola Tinubu in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier this week, Tonlagha marked his 50th birthday with a high-profile celebration in Warri, the capital of Delta State. The event attracted political and traditional leaders from across the Niger Delta.
The ceremony was broadcast live on Arise Television and TVC. Among those in attendance was Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with other prominent figures.
During his remarks at the event, Oborevwori praised Tonlagha, urging others to emulate him for what he described as his service to humanity. The governor also highlighted Tonlagha’s role in fostering unity and bringing people together from different parts of the country.
